City Newsroom

Fair Entry Weekend Shuttle Service Announced

Post Date:08/28/2017 11:57 AM

Medicine Hat – As part of the upcoming changes to the Transit system, a weekend transit shuttle service will be made available to low-income residents as a new service offering under the Fair Entry Program.

The City of Medicine Hat will implement changes to the Regular Transit system on Sept. 5, 2017, providing improved services for riders in a more cost effective manner.

“In response to feedback heard from the community following the announcement of the changes to the Regular Transit system, our Transit team investigated options to ensure those most in need in our community would have Transit options available to them on the weekends,” said Howard Snodgrass, General Manager Community Development. “The solution provides additional service, maintains the integrity of the new system design and still allows for significant cost savings.”

To qualify for Fair Entry weekend transit shuttle service, clients must be Fair Entry eligible and their place of residence and/or place of work/medical appointment/education class must be beyond 800 metres off the core transit routes. Interested residents must self-identify through the existing Fair Entry application process. The City will work collaboratively with various community agencies to help facilitate Fair Entry access for low-income residents.

The service provided will be the same curb-to-curb, shared ride approach of Special Transit. Qualified clients must book their transportation plans (to and from their destination) by calling 403-529-8214 between 9 a.m. Monday and 4 p.m. Thursday prior to their desired weekend trip.

Fair Entry weekend transit shuttle hours of operation will align with current Special Transit operating hours. Special Transit operates Saturday from 6:45 a.m. to 10:45 p.m. and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

A series of public information sessions will be held to help educate about the new system.

Aug. 29, Co-op Mall, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aug. 30, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 9 a.m. to noon

Sept. 5, Esplanade, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

A temporary helpline, 403-525-8900, will be available until Sept. 15, 2017, to provide information and answer questions.

“Anyone impacted by the Regular Transit service changes with questions or concerns is asked to call the helpline so Transit staff can work with them to navigate the options available,” said Snodgrass.

Special Transit services are not impacted by route and schedule changes being introduced with the Regular Transit changes. Specific buses/staff will be utilized; the Fair Entry weekend transit shuttle will not detract from existing Special Transit service resources. Existing transit fares will apply to the Fair Entry weekend transit shuttle service.